Leadership & Learning
Senior Research Project
Cited as a nationally awarded program, it is required for all seniors, taken either fall or spring semester. It is the culminating, capstone activity of the Davidson Academy experience in which students apply the skills and knowledge gained throughout their school years to the development of a research paper and an oral presentation of an important project of their own design. Students work independently under the guidance of faculty and non-faculty sponsors.
Youth in Government
YIG allows high-school students to participate in a simulated state government. The delegates write, debate, and vote on original bills. There are other facets, such as governor's cabinet and lobbyist components. Students participate at the State Capitol each spring. YMCA's Center for Civic Engagement organizes the activity. There is also a Middle School competition, as well.
Mock Trial
A simulation of a civil or criminal court trial, high-school students play the roles of attorneys and witnesses. The activity takes place at the Downtown Courthouse in February. Attorney (and DA mom) Marisa Combs now coaches the DA team. Mrs. Combs has coached previous teams that won state and went to national competition.
Model UN
An extracurricular activity in which students role-play delegates to the United Nations and simulate UN committees. This activity, which is organized by YMCA's Center for Civic Engagement, takes place at a MUN conference in Murfreesboro each November.
Lyceum Lectures
A series of evening presentations by area experts on a variety of topics for
students, faculty, and interested others.
Quiz Bowl
Competing against other local high schools on topics of knowledge in core subjects and current events, the Quiz Bowl format is similar to the well-known game show "Jeopardy!" The team consists of four faculty-selected students and one alternate. DA's team has experienced much success since its creation in 2013, having defeated many local magnet high schools in competition.
